Adhering graphic films on irregular substrates

ABSTRACT

Methods of adhering graphic film on an irregular substrate are disclosed. The methods includes providing a polymer film composite having two or more layers with at least one layer having a glass transition temperature of at least about 40° C., the polymer film composite having a first side and a second side, and an adhesive layer disposed on the second side. Then the method includes, positioning the adhesive layer against the irregular substrate, heating the polymer film composite, and pressing the heated polymer film against the irregular substrate.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.11/427,398, filed Jun. 29, 2006, now pending, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to displaying graphics onirregular substrates.

Adhesive-coated plastic films, especially vinyl films with pressuresensitive adhesives or pressure-activated adhesives, are applied to avariety of surfaces for a variety of reasons such as advertisement,decoration, protection, and the like. Most of these surfaces tend to befairly smooth. However, there are many surfaces that are non-planar orirregular and may include imperfections, seams, rivets, and otherprotrusions or indentations.

When a film is applied over and adhered to these irregular surfaces, thefilm may be strained to bring the adhesive into contact with theirregular surface. Residual stress in the film at such irregular surfacelocations may exceed the holding power of the adhesive resulting in thefilm lifting off the surface to which it was adhered. This may result inan imperfect appearance.

SUMMARY

In an illustrative but non-limiting example of the disclosure, a methodof adhering a film or graphic film on an irregular substrate isdisclosed. A polymer film or layer within a polymer film compositehaving a glass transition temperature of at least 40° C. is provided. Apolymer film composite is a composite of at least two layers of polymerfilm, bonded together using methods known in the art. The polymer filmor polymer film composite has an adhesive layer disposed on a secondside of the film or composite. An image may be included on the polymerfilm opposite the adhesive, on the polymer film composite opposite theadhesive, or between layers of the polymer film composite. The adhesivelayer may be positioned against the irregular substrate such that thepolymer film or polymer film composite at least partially bridgesirregularities in the irregular substrate and the polymer film orpolymer film composite is heated. The heated polymer film or polymerfilm composite is pressed against the irregular substrate such that muchof the adhesive layer comes into contact with the irregular substrateand adheres to the irregular substrate.

In another illustrative but non-limiting example of the disclosure, amethod of adhering a film onto an irregular substrate is disclosed. Themethod includes providing a first polymer film having a glass transitiontemperature of less than about 30° C., the polymer film having a firstside and a second side, an adhesive layer disposed on the second side,providing a second polymer film having a glass transition temperature ofat least about 40° C., laminating the second polymer film to the firstpolymer film to form a polymer film composite, positioning the adhesivelayer of the first polymer film against the irregular substrate, heatingthe polymer film composite, and pressing the heated polymer film againstthe irregular substrate such that much of the adhesive layer comes intocontact with the irregular substrate and adheres to the irregularsubstrate.

In another illustrative but non-limiting example of the disclosure, amethod of adhering a film or graphic film onto an irregular substrate isdisclosed. The method includes providing a first polymer film having aglass transition temperature of less than about 30° C., the polymer filmhaving a first side and a second side, an adhesive layer disposed on thesecond side, printing an image on the first side, providing a secondpolymer film having a glass transition temperature of at least about 40°C., laminating the second polymer film to the first polymer film overthe image to form a polymer film composite, positioning the adhesivelayer of the first polymer film against the irregular substrate, heatingthe polymer film composite, and pressing the heated polymer film againstthe irregular substrate such that the heated polymer film adheres to theirregular substrate.

The above summary of the disclosure is not intended to beall-encompassing. Other details of the disclosure will be evident tothose of ordinary skill in the art from the following detaileddescription together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative but non-limiting irregularsubstrate as described herein;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative but non-limiting laminateapplied in partial contact with the irregular substrate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an illustrative but non-limiting laminatein intimate contact with the irregular substrate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an illustrative but non-limiting laminateas described herein;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an illustrative but non-limiting laminateas described herein; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an illustrative but non-limiting laminateas described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes,amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claimsare to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numericalparameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claimsare approximations that can vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing theteachings disclosed herein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numberssubsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3,3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a”, “an”, and “the” encompass embodiments having pluralreferents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. For example,reference to “a layer” encompasses embodiments having one, two or morelayers. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term“or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless thecontent clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “polymer” will be understood to include polymers, copolymers(e.g., polymers formed using two or more different monomers), oligomersand combinations thereof, as well as polymers, oligomers, or copolymersthat can be formed in a miscible blend. In a blend of polymers, the term“polymer” will refer to the continuous phase polymer in the blend.

The disclosure pertains to adhering films or graphic films on irregularsubstrates. An irregular substrate may include a non-planar surface. Insome instances, an irregular substrate may include a planar orsubstantially planar surface and one or more non-planar elements thatare disposed on or in the planar surface. Some or all of the non-planarelements may extend into, or below, the planar surface. Some or all ofthe non-planar elements may extend above the planar surface.

In some instances, the irregular substrate may be a building orconstruction substrate, such as a wall. Examples of irregular substratesinclude masonry such as concrete and brick and stone. The irregularsubstrate may be a metallic substrate, such as a side of a truck ortrailer. In some instances, the side of a truck or trailer may becurved. In some cases, the side of a truck or trailer may besubstantially planar, with non-planar elements such as seams, rivets,screw heads and the like.

The disclosure pertains to adhering a film or graphic film on anirregular substrate. Any suitable polymer film composite having two ormore layers may be used. In some embodiments, the graphic film is acolored film or imaged film. In some instances, the one or more polymerfilm layers may be made from a material having a glass transitiontemperature of at least about 40° C. In some cases, the one or morepolymer film layers may be made from a material having a glasstransition temperature of at least about 60° C. or even at least about80° C. In some embodiments, the one or more polymer film layers may bemade from a material having a glass transition temperature of less thanabout 30° C. and one or more polymer film layers may be made from amaterial having a glass transition temperature of at least about 40° C.It should be recognized that some polymeric materials may have more thanone glass transition temperature, or temperature at which portions ofthe polymer may soften. For the purposes of referring to glasstransition temperature herein, it is intended that the temperature inquestion for a particular material is the temperature at which thecontinuous phase has softened. i.e. the bulk of the material.

In some embodiments, the polymer film composite comprises one or morelayers of a polymer with a glass transition temperature of at least 40°C. with one or more layers of a polymer film with a glass transitiontemperature of less than 30° C. The layer with the lower glasstransition temperature may provide enhanced properties for adhesion,print receptivity, and the like. Pigments or colorants may be includedin the polymer film composite. In specific examples, the polymer filmcomposite includes a plasticized polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) film with aglass transition temperature below 30° C. The PVC film is then imaged.The imaged side of the film is then overlaminated with a polymer filmwith a glass transition temperature of above 40° C. The lamination ofthe overlaminate can be facilitated by any of the known laminationmethods such as a combination of heat and pressure thereby softeningeither or both of the films, by using a heat activated adhesive, or byusing a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Polymer film layers may have a thickness of about 5 micrometers to about100 micrometers. In some instances, the polymer film layers may be atleast substantially transparent to visible light. A polymer filmcomposite may contain a layer of polymer film with a Tg greater that 40°C. that is between 5 and 100 microns thick.

Examples of suitable polymers with Tg above 40° include polyvinylchloride, poly(meth)acrylate films such as poly(methyl methacrylate),polyester films, polycarbonate sheets, styrene sheets and the like.Examples of polymers with less Tg of less than 30° C. includeplasticized PVC, polyethylene and other polyolefins, plasticizedacrylics, and the like.

An adhesive layer such as a pressure sensitive adhesive may be appliedto the polymer film or polymer film composite to adhere the polymer filmto the irregular substrate or to another film that also has an adhesivethat may be adhered to the irregular substrate. Any suitable pressuresensitive adhesive may be used, providing the particular pressuresensitive adhesive used has adequate adherence to both the polymer filmand the irregular substrate to which the adhesive layer will be secured.In some instances, the pressure sensitive adhesive may be at leastsubstantially transparent to visible light. A transparent adhesive maybe used, for example, if the polymer film composite is also transparent,and it is desired that the irregular substrate be visible through theadhesive and the polymer film composite.

In some cases, the pressure sensitive adhesive may be pigmented toappear a particular color. For example, the pressure sensitive adhesivemay include titanium dioxide, and thus will appear white. A white-tintedadhesive may be applied to a substantially clear polymer film, forexample, to provide a largely white backdrop for a printed image. Insome instances, the pigmented adhesive may be laminated to the imagedside of the polymer film composite such that the polymer film compositeserves as a protective layer for the image after the adhesive isattached to an irregular substrate. Suitable pigments for achievingother colors, such as yellow, orange, green, blue, red and the like areknown.

A variety of pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are useful. Pressuresensitive adhesives may be defined as material with the followingproperties: (1) aggressive and permanent tack, (2) adherence with nomore than finger pressure, (3) sufficient ability to hold onto anadherand, (4) sufficient cohesive strength, and (5) require noactivation by an energy source. Useful PSAs may exhibit pressuresensitive adhesive characteristics at either room temperature or atelevated temperatures.

PSAs are normally tacky at assembly temperatures, which is typicallyroom temperature or greater (i.e., about 20° C. to about 90° C. orgreater). Materials that have been found to function well as PSAs arepolymers designed and formulated to exhibit the requisite viscoelasticproperties resulting in a desired balance of tack, peel adhesion, andshear holding power at the assembly temperature and also retainproperties such as peel adhesion and shear holding power at ambienttemperatures. When elevated assembly temperatures are used, materialsthat exhibit little or no tack at room temperature may become pressuresensitive.

Examples of polymers useful in preparing pressure sensitive adhesivesinclude natural rubber-, synthetic rubber- (e.g., styrene/butadienecopolymers (SBR) and styrene/isoprene/styrene (SIS) block copolymers),silicone elastomer-, poly alpha-olefin-, and various (meth) acrylate-(e.g., acrylate and methacrylate) based polymers. Of these,(meth)acrylate-based polymer pressure sensitive adhesives are useful asa result of their optical clarity, permanence of properties over time(aging stability), and versatility of adhesion levels, to name just afew of their benefits.

In some instances, a release liner may be provided on the adhesivelayer. The release liner can be formed of any useful material such as,for example, polymers or paper and may include a release coat. Suitablematerials for use in release coats are well known and include, but arenot limited to, fluoropolymers, acrylics and silicones designed tofacilitate the release of the release liner from the pressure sensitiveadhesive. The release coat may be designed to remain substantiallyadhered to the release liner after the transfer of the film to thesurface to be finished.

The disclosure pertains to adhering a polymer film composite to anirregular surface. In many embodiments, one or more layers forming thepolymer film composite is colored, printed, or imaged. In someinstances, an image may be printed onto one or more of the polymer filmlayers. In some instances, the image may be delivered by any usefulmethod such as, for example, piezo printing, screen printing,flexographic printing, lithographic printing, electrostatic printing,and the like. In some embodiments, printing may be accomplished using avariety of commercially available solvent ink-based piezo inkjetprinters. Examples of suitable printers include those available fromIdanit Technologies, Ltd. of Rishon Le Zion Israel, Raster Graphics ofSan Jose, Calif., Vutek Inc. of Meredith, N.H., Olympus Optical Co. Ltd.of Tokyo, Japan, and others.

Piezo inkjet printing principally relies on the use of four colors:cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK). However, to improve theresolution of images, some printers identified above also add twoadditional colors that are less concentrated relatives of the cyan andmagenta inks, called “light cyan” and “light magenta.” Additionally,printers and software can be configured to use “special” or “spot”colors that are specific hues based on large usage or commercialbranding requirements.

A useful solvent-based piezo ink may include a pigment, a binder, anoptional plasticizer, an organic solvent, a surfactant, and anantifoaming agent. Each of these components is described in greaterdetail hereinafter, and also in U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,444, which patent isincorporated by reference herein.

Organic solvents suitable for use in these inks described herein includeketones, aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers and esters (e.g., lactates,acetates, etc.). Examples of such solvents include cyclohexanone,propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PM acetate), diethyleneglycol ethyl ether acetate (DE acetate), isophorone, ethylene glycolbutyl ether acetate (EB acetate), dipropylene glycol monomethyl acetate(DPM acetate), butyrol lactone, n-methyl pyrrolidone, alkyl acetateesters, and combinations thereof.

Fluorochemical surfactants may act as a flow agent to lower the surfacetension of solvents. The lower surface tension allows the inks to flowout better on the receiving substrate. Such fluorochemical surfactantsare solutes in solvents used in the present invention. Silicone andother organic surfactants may also be used.

The antifoaming agent includes an antifoaming oil and preferably aparticulate material. The antifoaming agent may be dispersed in solventsto aid in minimizing foaming that might otherwise be caused by thefluorochemical surfactants. Antifoaming oils may be viscous,substantially water-insoluble liquids that can alter the surface tensionof a fluid at room temperature. Silicone and other organic anti-foamingmaterials may also be used.

Piezo inks include one or more colorants, such as a pigment. A pigmentcan be an inorganic or organic, colored, white or black material that ispractically insoluble in the medium (e.g., organic solvent) in which itis incorporated. Examples of suitable pigments include those useful inscreen printing. An ink may include only one color pigment, or mayinclude several different pigments to achieve a desired color. A varietyof pigments are available. In some instances, an ink may also includeone or more dyes.

Non-limiting examples of cyan pigments include IRGALITE GLG (CibaSpecialty Chemicals of Greensboro, N.C.) and SUNFAST 249-1284 (SunChemical Corporation of Fort Lee, N.J.). Non-limiting examples ofmagenta pigments include QUINDO magenta RV-6828 (Bayer of Pittsburgh,Pa.) and Magenta B RT-343-D (Ciba Specialty Chemicals). Non-limitingexamples of yellow pigments include Fanchon Fast yellow Y5686 (Bayer)Fanchon yellow Y5688 (Bayer), and Sandorin 6GL (Clariant of Charlotte,N.C.). Non-limiting examples of black pigments include Pfizer lampblackLB-1011 (Pfizer of Easton, Pa.) and Raven 1200 (Columbian Chemicals ofAtlanta, Ga.).

Piezo inks may include binders. A binder can be a resin that iscompatible with pigment particles such that upon evaporation of volatilecomponents of the ink, the binders form films of the deposited pigmentson the receiving substrate. Advantageously, the binders described hereinare outdoor durable. Non-limiting examples of suitable binders arepolymeric resins such as vinyl-containing polymers (e.g, VYHH, VYNS,VYHD, and VAGH brand vinyl-containing resins from Dow Chemical, Midland,Mich.) and acrylic-containing polymers (e.g., polymethylmethacrylate,polymethylbutylacrylate, polyethylmethacrylate and copolymers thereof).

For some applications, it may be desirable that the inks are radiationcurable. For example, radiation curable inks may be prepared byincorporating radiation curable materials including, but not limited to,monomers, oligomers, stabilizers, and optionally initiators and pigmentsinto the ink. After the resulting inks have been applied to a receptor,they may be cured by exposure to radiation such as electron beam(e-beam) radiation. If photoinitiators or photocatalysts are alsoincorporated into the radiation curable inks, the resulting inks may becured after they have been applied to a receptor by exposure to actinicradiation such as ultraviolet (UV) or visible-light.

The optional plasticizers may be polyesters that are compatible with thevinyl and acrylic resins and any other binder used along with thestabilizers and flow agents such that upon evaporation of volatilecomponents of the ink, the plasticizers enhance the flexibility of thefilm formed from the deposited binder with pigments on the receivingsubstrate. The plasticizer also becomes part of the final ink film.Non-limiting examples of suitable plasticizers include UNIFLEX 312 brandplasticizer (Union Camp of Wayne, N.J.), PARAPLEX G-31 brand plasticizer(C. P. Hall of Chicago, Ill.) and PARAPLEX G-51 brand plasticizer (C. P.Hall).

To enhance durability of a printed image graphic, especially in outdoorenvironments exposed to sunlight or moisture, a variety of commerciallyavailable stabilizing chemicals can be added optionally to inks of thepresent invention. These stabilizers may include heat stabilizers, UVlight stabilizers and biocides.

Heat stabilizers are commonly used to protect the resulting imagegraphic against the effects of heat and are commercially available asMark V1923 brand stabilizer (Witco of Houston, Tex.), Synpron 1163 brandstabilizer (Ferro of Cleveland, Ohio), Ferro 1237 brand stabilizer(Ferro), and Ferro 1720 brand stabilizer (Ferro). UV light stabilizersare commercially available as UVINOL 400 brand benzophenone uv-absorber(BASF of Parsippany, N.J.) and TINUVIN 900 brand uv-absorber (CibaSpecialty Chemicals). An example of a commercially available biocide isVINYZENE SB-1 EAA Antimicrobial Additive for Plastics, available fromMorton Thiokol, Inc.

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings,in which like elements in different drawings are numbered in likefashion. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depictselected illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit thescope of the disclosure. Although examples of construction, dimensions,and materials are illustrated for the various elements, those skilled inthe art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitablealternatives that may be utilized.

FIG. 1 provides a schematic illustration of an irregular substrate 10that may, as noted above, represent a building material, a vehicle orsome other irregular surface upon which it may be desired to apply aprinted image. The irregular substrate 10 may be seen as including aplanar surface 12 and non-planar elements including protrusions 14 andindentations 16. The protrusions 14 may be considered as extending outof the plane of the planar surface 12 while the indentations 16 may beconsidered as extending into the plane of the planar surface 12.

It will be recognized, of course, that in some instances the irregularsubstrate 10 may include the protrusions 14 but not include any of theindentations 16. In other cases, the irregular substrate 10 may includeindentations 16 but not include any protrusions 14. It will also berecognized that protrusions 14 and indentations 16, as illustrated, arehighly stylized. In some cases, the protrusions 14 may represent rivets,screw heads, bolt heads, welding materials, seams, and the like. In somecases, the indentations 16 may represent dents, screw or bolt holeslacking a screw or bolt, and the like. If the irregular substrate 10 ismasonry or stone, the protrusions 14 and/or the indentations 16 mayrepresent grout lines, imperfections, voids, protruding particles andthe like in the material.

In FIG. 2, a laminate 18 has been positioned proximate the irregularsubstrate 10. The laminate 18 includes a polymer film or polymer filmcomposite 20 having, as illustrated, an image 22 formed on a first side24 of the polymer film 20 and an adhesive layer 26 disposed on anopposing second side 28 of the polymer film composite 20. The adhesivelayer 26 may include any suitable pressure sensitive adhesive, asdescribed above. As illustrated, it is considered that the adhesivelayer 26 makes sufficient contact with at least a portion of theirregular substrate 10 to hold the laminate 18 in position. The adhesivelayer 26 may be considered as being in partial contact with theirregular substrate 10. In some embodiments, the image 22 is disposedwithin the polymer film composite 20 (not shown), or between the polymerfilm composite 20 and the adhesive layer 26 (not shown).

To fully apply the laminate 18 to the irregular substrate 10, as shownin FIG. 3, it may be useful to heat the laminate 18, at least to softenthe polymer film composite 20. Any suitable heat source may be used,provided the heat source can provide sufficient thermal energy to softenthe polymer film composite 20 without causing the polymer film 20 toreach or exceed its melting point. In some instances, a heat source suchas a heat gun that is capable of providing 1000° F. (about 540° C.) maybe used. A heat source generating infrared energy may be used. Acombination of hot air and infrared heat, such as generated by acatalytic heater may be used. It is considered that in some instances,all or substantially all of the polymer film composite 20 may be heatedat once. In some cases, particularly if the laminate 18 is quite large,it may be useful to only heat a portion of the polymer film composite 20at a time.

Once the polymer film composite 20, or a portion thereof, has beenheated sufficiently to soften the polymer film 20 composite, thesoftened composite film 20 may be pressed against or into the irregularsubstrate 10 such that the adhesive layer 26 makes intimate contact withthe irregular substrate 10. Pressure may be applied to the laminate 18using any appropriate technique or device. In some cases, it may beuseful to use a roller, block or brush to push and/or rub the laminate18 onto the irregular substrate 10. A roller, block or brush may beformed from a material such as natural or synthetic rubber, urethanepolymers, silicone polymers, fluoroelastomers, foamed or sponge versionsof those rubbers, and the like. An open cell foamed silicone materialhaving cells that are no larger than about 0.5 millimeters isparticularly useful.

It may be useful to use a roller or such that is formed from a materialhaving a relatively low thermal conductivity such that the roller, blockor brush does not, itself, remove too much thermal energy from theheated, softened laminate 18. Instead, it is desired that the polymerfilm composite 20 remain softened until the adhesive layer 26 makesintimate contact with the irregular substrate 10. Once the adhesivelayer 26 makes intimate contact with the irregular substrate 10, it isconsidered that the irregular substrate 10, being at or close to ambienttemperature, will draw sufficient thermal energy out of the laminate 18to permit the polymer film 20 to harden and thus permanently assume theprofile of the irregular substrate 10.

FIGS. 2 and 3 provide an example of displaying a printed image on anirregular substrate 10 using a laminate 18. It will be recognized thatthe laminate 18 may be formed in several different ways, and may takeseveral different forms. The subsequent Figures represent laminates thatmay be used in displaying a printed image on the irregular substrate 10.

FIG. 4 shows a laminate 30 that includes a polymer film or polymer filmcomposite 32 having a first side 34 and a second side 36. An adhesivelayer 38 is disposed on the second side 36. While not required, arelease liner 40, as discussed above, may be disposed on the adhesivelayer 38 to protect the adhesive layer 38 and also to prevent undesiredadhesion during printing. In many embodiments, an image 42 may beprinted on the first side 34 using a solvent-based ink after theadhesive layer 38 is applied or otherwise disposed on the second side36. In some cases, the solvent-based ink may penetrate a short distanceinto the first side 34 of the polymer film 32. In some instances, thesolvent-based ink does not penetrate into the polymer film 32. Thelaminate 30 may then be applied to an irregular substrate 10 (FIG. 1) asdescribed above.

In some instances, an adhesive layer may be applied after the polymerfilm has been printed, as shown for example in FIGS. 5 and 6. Inparticular, FIG. 5 shows a laminate 44 that includes a polymer film orpolymer film composite 46 having a first side 48 and a second side 50. Aprinted image 52 may be printed onto the first side 48 of the polymerfilm 46. An adhesive layer 54 may subsequently be disposed on the secondside 50 of the polymer film 46. If desired, a release liner (not shown)may be applied over the adhesive layer 54. The laminate 44 may then beapplied to an irregular substrate 10 (FIG. 1) as described above.

FIG. 6 illustrates a laminate 56 in which an adhesive layer and aprinted image are formed on a single side of a polymer film or polymerfilm composite. Such a laminate 56 may, for example, provide additionalprotection for the printed image. The laminate 56 includes a polymerfilm 58 with a pressure sensitive adhesive side 62 and an opposing side60. The polymer film 58 may be at least substantially transparent tovisible light. The pressure sensitive adhesive side 62 may, once thelaminate 56 is applied, be the exterior or exposed side of the polymerfilm 58.

A image 64 may be formed on the first side 60 of the polymer film 58. Itwill be recognized that the printed image 64 may, if desired, be printedin a mirror-image fashion so that the image appears correctly orientedwhen viewed through the polymer film 58 from the second side 62 thereof.The printed image 64 may be formed using solvent-based printing, asdesired.

Once the image 64 has been formed, an overlaminate 66 with a Tg of 40degrees centigrade or greater may be formed or otherwise disposed overthe image 64. The overlaminate 66 may include any suitable adhesive suchas a pressure sensitive adhesive. The overlaminate 66 may, includepigments to provide a desired background color for the image 64. As aresult, the image 64 does not have to cover an entire surface of thepolymer film 58 as the background color provided by the overlaminate 66may contribute to the aesthetics of the laminate 56. The laminate 56 maythen be applied to the irregular substrate 10 (FIG. 1) as discussedabove.

The present invention should not be considered limited to the particularexamples described herein, but rather should be understood to cover allaspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims.Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerousstructures to which the present invention can be applicable will bereadily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the presentinvention is directed upon review of the instant specification.

EXAMPLES

Example 1 was prepared using a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film about 25cm×10 cm and 0.004 inches (0.1 mm) thick; available from KlocknerPentaplast of America, Inc., Gordonsville, Va. The film had a glasstransition midpoint temperature when tested by Differential ScanningCalorimeter (DSC) of 79° C.

Glass transition temperature of film specimens was measured by weighingand loading the specimens into TA Instruments aluminum standard DSCsample pans. The specimens were analyzed using the TA Instruments Q1000(#131, Cell RC-858) Modulated® Differential Scanning Calorimeter (MDSC).The modulated method used to analyze the samples included a linearheating rate of 5° C./min. plus an applied perturbation amplitude of±0.796° C. every 60 seconds. The specimens were subjected to aheat-cool-heat profile over a temperature range of −100 to about 175° C.The glass transition temperatures reported were evaluated using the stepchange in the reversing (R) heat flow (heat capacity related) curve. Theonset, midpoint (half height), and end temperatures of the transitionare noted, and the midpoint is the stated value.

The PVC film was coated on one side with an acrylic pressure sensitiveadhesive having a dried thickness of 0.0015 inches (0.04 mm). Theadhesive composition was 96 wt-% 2-methylbutyl acrylate and 4 wt-%acrylamide that was crosslinked using UV light and a benzophenonephotoinitiator in a manner similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No.4,181,752. The adhesive was coated on a silicone release liner and thentransferred to the PVC film described above.

A controlled textured surface panel was prepared by laminating RegalResin Bond Cloth Open Coat 960G, 36 grit YN sandpaper obtained from 3MCompany, St. Paul, Minn. to a plywood panel using a standard contactcement. This surface has low affinity for pressure sensitive adhesives,is very consistent compared to typical textures surfaces for which thisproduct is most suited, and it has a similar profile to a typical sandstucco surface. Lower adhesion to the surface is desired because thepressure sensitive adhesive composition influences the apparentconformability of the film. A very good pressure sensitive adhesiveand/or a surface that bonds readily to the pressure sensitive adhesivecan delay the onset of lifting when used with films that have a glasstransition below 40° C. and use the method described herein.

The release liner was removed from the film. The adhesive coated side ofthe film was loosely placed using hand pressure against the texturedsurface panel such that the adhesive was contacting the panel and therewas sufficient adhesion for the film to temporarily remain attached tothe panel, but in most areas, the film was bridging indentations in thepanel.

A Steinel heat gun (Model HG3002LCD; available from McMaster Carr, (600County Line Rd., Elmhurst, Ill. 60126-2081) was set at 1000° F. (538°C.). The heat gun was held about 2 inches (5 cm) from the film surfacewith heating of the film in one area until the film visibly softened.Heating of the film was immediately followed by use of a 3M TSA-1Textured Surface Applicator available from Commercial Graphics Division,3M Company to firmly roll the film with hand pressure at about 4 inches(10 cm) per second onto the textured surface of the panel. The heat gunwas moved across the film sample followed immediately by roll down ofthe film with the applicator.

After rolling the film against the textured surface of the panel, thefilm immediately cooled to the panel temperature. The film wasintimately bonded to the panel and looked similar to a painted surface.The gloss of the film bonded to the panel was measured using a BYKGardner 60° micro gloss meter (Model No 4501.; available from BYKGardner USA, 2435 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, Md.) and recorded. Thepanel was then placed in a 150° F. (65° C.) oven for 24 hours, removedfrom the oven and allowed to cool to ambient temperature and the glossof the film measured and recorded.

Example 2 was prepared as described for Example 1, except using a clearacrylic KORAD™ film available from Spartech PEP. The film was about 25cm×10 cm and was 0.003 inches (0.8 mm) thick. The film had a glasstransition midpoint temperature when tested as described above byDifferential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) of 79° C.

The release liner was removed from the KORAD film, the film was appliedto the textured surface panel, and the gloss of the film was measured asdescribed for Example 1.

Comparative Example 1 was 3M™ Controltac™ Plus Graphic film Series180-10 (50 micrometer thick white vinyl film with about 30 micrometersof adhesive; “180 Vinyl Film”; 3M Company). The sample size was 25 cm×10cm and the glass transition temperature measured as described forExample 1 was 19° C. Gloss measurements were taken and recorded asdescribed for Example 1.

Provided in Table 1 are the gloss measurements of the film samples ofExamples 1 and 2 prior to application of the adhesive and the sample of180 Vinyl Film (Initial), immediately after application of the samplesto the textured surface panel and after heating in a 65° C. (150° F.)oven for 24 hours. The data in Table 1 are the mean of 18 readings atdifferent locations on the film for each sample initially, immediatelyafter application and after 24 hour heat aging. The standard deviationsare proved in parentheses after the readings.

The actual gloss values are the mean ±3 standard deviation units. Sinceindividual films vary slightly in gloss, the value for comparison is apercentage of original gloss and the standard deviation for comparisonis 100/initial film gloss multiplied by the measured standard deviation.The adjusted gloss values provided in Table 1 are based on 100/originalgloss multiplied by the measured value.

TABLE 1 Time of Comparative Measurement Example 1 Example 2 Example 1Actual Gloss Values Initial 82.6 144 80.7 Immediately 5.2 (1.0) 5.1(0.8) 4.0 (0.8) After Application After 24 Hour 5.3 (1.2) 8.8 (4.0) 9.4(5.0) Heat Aging Adjusted Gloss Values Immediately 6.3 (1.2) 3.6 (.6) 5.0 (1.0) After Application After 24 Hour 6.4 (1.5) 6.1 (2.8) 11.6(6.2)  Heat Aging

The data in Table 1 show that the film of Example 1 maintainedsubstantially the same gloss value after heat aging, whereas the film ofComparative Example 1 showed a marked increase in gloss value. While thefilm of Example 2 showed a greater increase in adjusted gloss value thanthat of Example 1, the change in adjusted gloss value was still muchless than the film of Comparative Example 1. Upon visual inspection, itwas observed that areas of the film of Comparative Example 1 had liftedoff the textured surface panel and had become planar. In general, lowergloss indicates better compliance to the textured surface panel,provided the surface finish of the film has not been damaged by theapplication process.

All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety into this disclosure. Illustrativeembodiments of this disclosure are discussed and reference has been madeto possible variations within the scope of this disclosure. These andother variations and modifications in the disclosure will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope of thedisclosure, and it should be understood that this disclosure is notlimited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly,the disclosure is to be limited only by the claims provided below, andas they may be amended during prosecution.

Example 3, 4 & 5

A sheet of ROHAGLAS® Film Clear 99845 0.0025 in (63.45 micrometers) waslaminated to an acrylic pressure sensitive laminating adhesive. This inturn was laminated to 3M™ Controltac™ Plus Graphic film Series 180-10 asdescribed in Example 2. The composite was adhered to the Regal ResinBond Cloth Open Coat 960G as in Example 1. The gloss of the compositewas measured before application, after application, and after aging for24 hours at 150° F. (65° C.). An example was prepared with 3M™Scotchcal™ Luster Overlaminate 8519, (Example 4) which is a plasticizedPVC with a Tg of less than 30° C. Another example (Example 5) was 3M™Controltac™ Plus Graphic film Series 180-10 with no overlaminate. Allsamples were applied to the Regal Resin Bond Cloth Open Coat 960G, 36grit YN sandpaper as in Example 1. Table 2 below shows the gloss changeupon heat aging.

TABLE 2 Time of Measurement Example 3 Example 4 Example 5 Actual GlossValues Initial 84.0 77.9 83.0 Immediately 5.1 (1.2) 4.6 (1.4)  3.3(1.80) After Application After 24 Hour 5.3 (5.6) 6.5 (3.2) 4.2 (2.2)Heat Aging Adjusted Gloss Values Immediately 6.06 (1.43) 5.90 (1.80)3.97 (1.20) After Application After 24 Hour 6.18 (6.66) 8.34 (4.11) 5.06(2.65) Heat Aging Change % +2   +41   +27  

1. A method of adhering a graphic film on an irregular substrate, themethod comprising steps of: providing a polymer film composite havingtwo or more layers with at least one layer having a glass transitiontemperature of at least about 40° C., the polymer film composite havinga first side and a second side, an adhesive layer disposed on the secondside; positioning the adhesive layer against the irregular substrate;heating the polymer film composite; and pressing the heated polymer filmagainst the irregular substrate.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising printing an image on the first surface.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising printing an image on the second side priorto disposing the adhesive layer on the second side.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising printing an image between the layers ofcomposite film.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the polymer filmcomposite comprises one or more layers of a polymer with a glasstransition temperature of at least 40° C. and one or more layers of apolymer film of with a glass transition temperature of less than 30° C.6. The method of claim 1, wherein the pressing step comprises pressingthe heated polymer film composite against the irregular substrate with afoamed or sponge rubber.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the polymerfilm composite comprises a colored film layer.
 8. A method of adhering afilm on an irregular substrate, the method comprising steps of:providing a first polymer film having a glass transition temperature ofless than about 30° C., the polymer film having a first side and asecond side, an adhesive layer disposed on the second side; providing asecond polymer film having a glass transition temperature of at leastabout 40° C.; laminating the second polymer film to the first polymerfilm to form a polymer film composite; positioning the adhesive layer ofthe first polymer film against the irregular substrate; heating thepolymer film composite; and pressing the heated polymer film against theirregular substrate.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprisingprinting an image on the first polymer film prior to the laminatingstep.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the image is printed with piezoprinting.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the pressing step comprisespressing the heated polymer film composite against the irregularsubstrate with a foamed or sponge rubber.
 12. A method of adhering afilm on an irregular substrate, the method comprising steps of:providing a first polymer film having a glass transition temperature ofless than about 30° C., the polymer film having a first side and asecond side, an adhesive layer disposed on the second side; printing animage on the first side; providing a second polymer film having a glasstransition temperature of at least about 40° C.; laminating the secondpolymer film to the first polymer film over the image to form a polymerfilm composite; positioning the adhesive layer of the first polymer filmagainst the irregular substrate; heating the polymer film composite; andpressing the heated polymer film against the irregular substrate. 13.The method of claim 12, wherein the pressing step comprises pressing theheated polymer film composite against the irregular substrate with afoamed or sponge rubber.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the firstpolymer film is a plasticized polyvinyl chloride film.
 15. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the laminating step is facilitated by a combination ofheat and pressure, a heat activated adhesive, or by using a pressuresensitive adhesive.